Politics and the Gospel
American writer and theologian Wayne Grudem, co-translator of the English Standard Version of the Bible, addressed a packed St. Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate, London, tackling the question of whether political involvement distracts from the Gospel. He said God was calling Christians in the UK to ‘stand against evil’ and ‘threats that would silence the Gospel and remove it from the public square,’ particularly laws passed in recent years promoting homosexuality and attempts to loosen existing abortion regulations. Grudem argued that far from being a distraction from the Gospel, Christian involvement in politics was necessary. He pointed to the proliferation of secularist campaigns and warned that they ‘threaten the voice of the Church and the voice of Christians’ and ‘remove from government God’s teaching about good and evil.’ ‘How can government officials rightly serve God if no one is able to let them know what God expects of them?’ he asked. Pray: for a wider understanding that Christians have a vital role to play in politics and government. (Is.9:6) More: http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100625/engaging-in-politics-does-not-distract-from-gospel-says-writer/index.html
Politicians face 'test of civilisation' over elderly care, says Archbishop
The Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent of Nichols, said politicians will fail a “fundamental test of civilised society” if they do not find a solution to funding care for the elderly. He said the current system is leaving many elderly, frail and disabled people struggling to meet their basic human needs and needs “urgent” reform. Highlighting the problems of unemployment, poverty, criminal justice reform and care at a reception in the House of Commons the Archbishop said: “The decisions that will be made in this building over the months ahead demonstrate the importance of this dialogue between those working on the front line to support the vulnerable, and those tasked with crafting legislation. “Perhaps one of the most important areas currently under consideration here is how we care for older and disabled people: a fundamental test of any civilised society.
Pray: for government and society to value and care for the elderly . (Lev.19:32)
More: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/elderhealth/9709508/Politicians-face-test-of-civilisation-over-elderly-care-says-Archbishop.html
Politicians come out in support of Global Day of Prayer for London
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s election, Christian candidates have come out in support of Global Day of Prayer London and its call to a national day of prayer. Tens of thousands of Christians are expected to turn out for the Global Day of Prayer event at West Ham football stadium on June 13. Labour’s Stephen Timms said he hoped the day of prayer would be followed up with greater service in the community. Global Day of Prayer is a fantastic event. It attracts a very large number of people coming together with tremendous exuberance and a very strong sense of prayer and worship as well.' David Burrowes, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Enfield said, ‘The Global Day of Prayer would have added significance this year, falling after the General Election on May 6. That’s something that we all need to do and it couldn’t be a better time in the first month of a government as it’s setting out its direction.’ Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat candidate for North Southwark and Bermondsey, made a similar call.
Pray: for the Global Day of Prayer and that it will help set God’s path for the new Government. (Zec.3:7)
More: http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/politicians.come.out.in.support.of.global.day.of.prayer.for.london/25839.htm
Political correctness is restricting Christians
The newly installed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland lamented the lack of tolerance shown towards Christianity in society. Dr Ivan Patterson told his Church’s annual assembly in Belfast that Christians may encounter challenges for living out their faith. ‘Jesus speaks about going extra miles; welcoming strangers; loving enemies; forgiving those who do us harm,’ he said. ‘In our society Christians have had their wings clipped in our politically correct world. It would seem that any philosophy is tolerated except that centred on Jesus Christ.’ He pointed to the example of Christian doctor Richard Scott, who is being investigated by the General Medical Council after suggesting to a patient that he consider turning to Jesus as part of the healing process. (See Prayer Alert 21-2011) Dr Patterson was installed as Moderator during the opening session of the week-long General Assembly, which is being attended by 1,200 Church members. Pray: that the message from Dr Patterson will be heard and widely accepted by all. (Ti.1:9)
Police ‘Stop and search’
Home secretary Teresa May wants an overhaul of police powers in England and Wales which have been disproportionately used against black and minority ethnic people. She said the widespread use of the powers of ‘Stop and search’ has been seen as sharply divisive among Britain’s black and minority ethnic communities. She is launching an immediate Home Office consultation over the future use of the powers following a successful pilot scheme in five police forces, including the Metropolitan police and the West Midlands force, which has seen a more ‘intelligence-led’ approach. A report showed that black people are subjected to ‘routine’ street searches at roughly five and a half times the rate of white people. There was also particular concern about the use of ‘exceptional’ section 60 searches, which were introduced to curb football violence but are widely used to combat knife crime. Black people are up to 25 times more likely to be subjected to a section 60 Stop and Search than white people.
Pray: that police officers will use the powers they have to build public trust.
More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk-news/video/2013/jul/02/police-stop-search-theresa-may-video
Police Service NI urges politicians to calm marching season tension
Politicians should do more to calm tensions during the marching season, the police have said. It cost almost £3m to police parades last summer and the bill could be even higher this year. There are fears dissident republicans may try to cause trouble in some areas, like the Ardoyne in north Belfast. Police sources told the BBC, politicians should work harder to encourage the resolution of contentious parades and reduce the likelihood of confrontation. While they are hoping for the best, they have to prepare for the worst, which means large numbers of officers and equipment have to be deployed. The PSNI said it has the resources needed, but also said politicians should do more to defuse tensions. Senior sources have told the BBC they would like politicians in potential trouble spots like north and west Belfast, Portadown and Rasharkin, to be more proactive.
Pray: for a peaceful and tolerant approach to the marching season encouraged by local politicians. (2Jn.6)
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/10211009.stm